Best Fuel for R300

[Out 4 A Spin]

New Caterham - New member!
I've not long had my Caterham Superlight R300 with the K-series 1.8. The book says to use a 98 octane so have been using Shell V-Power Niro+. This gives the K-Series a great note, but `pops` readily when lifting off and occasionally when changing gear. Is this likely to damage the cat on the exhaust (or anything else for that matter)? I have also used the BP Ultimate, which doesn't Pop, but the sound's not as good!

[Mellow7]

People pay good money to get the engine to make popping noises! Mine does it on all fuel grades and hasn't caused any harm. I tend to stick with the 95 RON stuff and save my pennies. Personally I think the perceived gains with higher grade fuel is more psychological - that should keep the thread going for a few days!

[framerateuk]

I use whatever I can get. I tend to use the higher octane if it's available, but I've used 95ron plenty of times and I can't say I notice any huge difference.

[fergus]

Mellow7 said:

People pay good money to get the engine to make popping noises! Mine does it on all fuel grades and hasn't caused any harm. I tend to stick with the 95 RON stuff and save my pennies. Personally I think the perceived gains with higher grade fuel is more psychological - that should keep the thread going for a few days!

If the car has been mapped (ignition) for high RON fuel (>95), you will get a marginal benefit, if not, then no extra benefit.

[Mellow7]

fergus said:

If the car has been mapped (ignition) for high RON fuel (>95), you will get a marginal benefit, if not, then no extra benefit.

I just left it up to Dave Andrews/Emerald. Dave has said previously that there was no knock sensor so it wouldn't make much difference. BUT I will try a tank of the super stuff next time to see if it is quieter/more responsive.